CD Reviews

"This is one of the "classic" Trojan compilations, originally from the late 80s, I believe. This was the first time a lot (all?) of these tracks were collected on CD.

A lot of these have been subsequently re-released on other compilations, but this disc is a nice way to get a lot of the best stuff in one place. The tracks haven't always been cleaned-up as nicely as on the later releases, but the killer-to-filler ratio on this album is much higher than on almost any of the later (i.e 1995-present) Trojan compilations. If you can find a nice used copy of this, grab it without hesitation.

Highlights include:

SICK & TIRED - The original cut that was later released (sans vocals) as "The Return of Django" (Perry's monster UK hit). A nice piece of history, and a good vocal performance from Neville Grant. I'm not sure if this track has been re-released.

RASTA NO PICKPOCKETDON'T CROSS THE NATION - Two great vocals by Jr. Byles and Little Roy, respectively.

GIVE ME POWER - An early roots track that's heavy like lead. Later sampled by Rancid in the song "Ruby Soho". This one is essential, and the DJ version is good too.

NEWS FLASH - You can never have enough Leo Graham in your collection.

JUSTICE TO THE PEOPLE - Another heavy cut, this one a Chi-Lites cover.

MID-EAST ROCK - This is another one that I haven't found re-issued since this CD. Killer DJ cut.

HOT TIP - Another workout on the immortal "Words of my Mouth" rhythm.

TO BE A LOVER - Killer cover of William Bell's song. Perry later recorded a much slower, spacier version by George Faith, but this is the essential cover version for me. This version floats like a butterfly."